What Experts In The Field Want You To Know
Why Boarding Up Doors and Windows Is Necessary
In the event of a storm, cover up all windows and doors. This will help protect the property from vandalism, theft, and damage.
A vacant structure is a magnet for thieves, vandals, and squatters. A professional board-up will contain carriage bolts which are only removed from the inside, and they will be measured to the door frames.
Protection from vandals
A vacant property is an ideal location for vandals, thieves and squatters. The protection provided by boarding up a house which is damaged, destroyed or smashed down can be a huge benefit. This is especially crucial for homes and businesses that are undergoing renovations or construction. It's possible that the building will be empty for a period of time and boarding up the doors and windows blocks access for criminals until work is finished.
In addition to offering protection from vandals, a boarding-up service can also protect your property from weather-related damage. A damaged or broken window or door is a prime target for criminals because it allows them to look inside your home. A boarding-up service will ensure that all windows and doors are locked and that any entry points are secured to prevent water, debris and cold air from entering the structure.
Plywood is often employed as a boarding-up solution, but it does not provide the same level of protection as steel security screens. Plywood is usually affixed to the ground using screws that can be easily removed by infractions using the proper tools. However, the specialized anti-tamper fixings used to secure screens made of steel are extremely difficult to get rid of without the right tool.
In addition, securing the entry points to your vacant investment property with steel screens is more affordable than boarding with plywood. The cost upfront is negligible compared to any possible damage or loss that might be caused by a break in or vandalism on the property that is vacant.
A professional boarding-up service will also install doors equipped with locking mechanisms. These locks will keep out squatters and criminals, and offer peace of mind for homeowners going on vacation. You could also ask a friend or neighbor to look over your property regularly to ensure that it's being maintained. These simple measures will deter burglars from attacking your home or business. It is important to take proactive measures to protect your investment property.
Animal protection
The boards offer protection against animals that might try to gain access to your property due to various reasons, such as shelter for the night or just curiosity. If an animal enters the home, it can cause a wide variety of issues, ranging from damage to the structure to health risks. Boarding up the windows and doors helps to keep out animals that could otherwise be dangerous as well as keeping children and pets secure as well. It should be noted, however, that openings on second and higher floors should not be boarding when they are only accessible via ladders or are accessible from adjoining homes or stairwells.
Protection against the elements
The boards protect the doors and windows from wind and debris damage during an event of storm. It also helps to prevent vandalism and break-ins. Depending on the severity of the weather, a house or business owner can decide when it is appropriate to put up up windows and doors. The earlier the boarding is done and the better protection the property will get.
Boards can be secured using screws or nails. It is recommended to use nails that are long enough to pass through the plywood and into the door frame. It is also possible to use steel security doors that are wedged into place using friction and anti-tampering screws. This combination makes the panels impossible to remove using a crowbar and gives the same security as traditional wooden boards.
It is essential to analyze the situation prior to taking the time to make sure that the right materials are utilized and the best approach. This will help you save time and money, while providing the highest level of security. The assessment should include assessing the vulnerability, identifying possible problems, and determining if reinforcements are required. To make the boarding process easier and safer, it is important to remove any obstructions and furniture from the area.
Once the site is ready for boarding the team will then prepare the frame and door by cleaning the surface, removing all hardware, and making any needed repairs. The area must be sanded in order to ensure a perfect fit and aid in helping the boards withstand wind and other forces. To avoid confusion, it's an ideal idea for the plywood boards to be branded with the name of the door or window they are intended to fit.
After marking the boards after marking them, they are cut to size. They are then fitted over the openings or weak areas of the building. boarding up a doorway should be inserted every few inches to keep the boards securely. Drilling pilot holes is a good idea to prevent splitting and makes insertion simpler. The boards can be sealed to prevent leaks and to improve weather resistance.
Pest protection
A vacant building is basically an open invitation to squirrels, raccoons, mice and rats seeking shelter or food. They can cause significant damage to a structure and pose health risks, including the spread of disease. By boarding doors and windows, you can prevent insects from entering and infesting the structure.
While it is important to board up access points, you must make sure that any gaps around the perimeter of your building are sealed. For instance, mice can fit through openings about 1/16 of an inch wide and spiders can squeeze through cracks that are the size of a quarter. Installing weather strips and door sweeps on all doors that are outside will reduce gaps.
It is also important to take away organic debris from your business or home. For instance, keep mulch and pine straw away from the foundation of your house cut branches of trees 12 to 14 inches away from the siding and roof and eliminate any weeds growing in or close to the base of your building. This will prevent insects from getting into your property and causing further damage.
Air curtains are a different method to keep pests out of an empty structure. This device is an industrial-sized ceiling fan that blows air over windows, doors, and entryways. This prevents flying insects and other pests from getting in, and it can be used in places like back shipping doors or drive-thru windows in restaurants.
Remember, though, that it's not necessary board up openings above the first floor unless they are accessible by means of a ladder. They could be used as a fire escape or a staircase. Avoid boarding windows and doors in a structure that is occupied people who are squatters, as this can give the impression of abandonment, which can attract criminal activity. If you're unsure of what to do about an empty building you should consult an expert boarding service to board up any openings and give the impression the property is still in use.